Paw in Hand Veterinary Care

03/10/2025

Do you recognize this dog? Found on Mission Circle off of Scenic around 10:30am this morning (03-10-25). Please call the clinic at 575-434-4343 to be connected with the finder.

03/07/2025

Let’s talk bird flu! The current outbreak of high pathologic avian influenza (HPAI) has been percolating since 2022. By now, it is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. Most human cases in the U.S. have been seen in dairy and poultry workers.

Bird flu poses a risk to wild and domestic mammals, with felines being particularly susceptible. There have been cases of neurological signs and death attributed to HPAI in domestic cats as well as wild cats in Texas, Arizona, and Oregon. Cats can be exposed by hunting and eating wild birds, by drinking milk from infected cattle (on dairy farms), or from consuming raw poultry from infected farmed birds.

Recently, the New Mexico Department of agriculture has confirmed HPAI in a flock of backyard chickens in Bernalillo County.

So, what can you do to reduce the risk to yourself and your pets? First, if you have backyard chickens or other poultry, make sure that wild birds cannot contact them whatsoever. Fully enclosed caging or netting to prevent entry of wild birds attracted by feed and water is essential. Second, report any dead or dying birds, whether wild birds or your own, to public health authorities or your veterinarian. Third, keep your cats indoors to prevent contact with birds. Do not feed your cat any raw foods, but particularly raw poultry or milk.

Finally, consider getting the flu vaccine if you havent already. Recombination between related viruses such as the human influenza vaccine and HPAI is the perfect storm to create a virus with higher risk to people. This can occur much more readily if a single host is infected with both viruses.

CDC.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

FDA.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-outlines-ways-reduce-hpai-cats

KRQE.com/albuquerque-metro/bird-flu-found-in-bernalillo-county/

H5 bird flu is causing outbreaks in wild birds and poultry, other animals and sporadic human cases.

02/14/2025

Hey You! Are you short on time? Unable to commit to a 6 week class? We offer 3 week classes and single session virtual classes, and 25 min. solo intensives!

Sunday Feb 16th
💛 Rocket Recall at 10:45am
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=60

Tuesday Feb. 18th
💚 Tablets for Tabbies at 6:30pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=321

Wednesday Feb 19th
💛 CGC Test at 6pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=56

Friday Feb. 21st
💚 Panic Button Consult at 1:30pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=337

Saturday Feb. 22nd
💛 Leash Pullers Anonymous at 12pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=61
💙 Mini Grey Muzzle Games at 2pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=162

Monday Feb. 24th
💛 Slatmill Rental at 8:30pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=383

Tuesday Feb 25th
💛 Slatmill/Carpet Mill Rental at 5pm & 8:15pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=370
💛 AKC Trick Test at 5:45pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=108
💚 Accessible Paws- Training with Chronic Pain & Disability at 6:30pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=323
💛 Sniff n Go at 7pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=169

Thursday Feb. 27th
💙 Open Ring at 6:45pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=140

Monday March. 10th
💚 Breaking Up the Bark Brigade at 6:30pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=230

Tuesday March 11th
💚 Leash Liberation- Longline Masterclass at 6:30pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=356

Saturday March 15th
💙 Boredom Busters at 2pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=40

Sunday March 16th
💛 Nailed It: Nail Trims and Scratch Boards at 2:15pm
https://paws4u.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?cls=284

02/14/2025

Many of you may have heard that the pet microchip company Save This Life has unexpectedly closed down. If your pet is microchipped, you’re likely concerned how this closure affects them.

If you purchased your microchip through Paw in Hand Veterinary Care, prior to November, 2022, your pet has a Save This Life microchip.

The bad news: Your pet’s microchip is no longer part of an active registry. The good news: Microchips can be registered with ANY chip company (there is typically a minimal fee for registration).

Rest assured that Paw in Hand is working diligently to find the most cost-effective solution for our clients. We will be sending out a mass email to all owners of affected pets.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to Paw in Hand to request your pet’s microchip information so you can register it with a chip company of your choice.

We recommend HomeAgain which is offering lifetime registration to affected pet owners for $19.99. HomeAgain has been in business since 2001 and is one of the most reputable microchip companies on the market.

The article below has more information about the closure of Save This Life microchip company.

The closure of a pet microchip company sparks confusion, but AAHA's microchip registry lookup tool can help.

01/14/2025

Drive-thru vaccine clinic being offered by Otero County Animal Shelter. Please read the attached flyer for more details.

In case you haven’t visited our Events page recently, here’s the full flyer for our upcoming Drive-Thru Vaccination Clinic! Join us for a special day dedicated to the health and safety of your furry friends. We’ll be offering free and low-cost vaccines and microchips, with the generous sponsorship of Petco Love and Zen Pets, to help keep your pets happy and healthy!

- Date: Feb. 2, 2025
- Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
- Location: 2300 Tashiro Road Las Cruces, NM 88005, Field of Dreams Parking Lot

Don't miss this chance to protect your pets while keeping things easy and safe with our drive-thru setup. See you there! 🐕🚗🐈

01/06/2025

Many viral diseases (such as parvovirus in dogs, herpesvirus in cats, and many others) are species-specific, meaning other species are not susceptible to illness if exposed to these viruses. However, there are also several viruses that can affect multiple species. This includes rabies, West Nile virus, many influenza viruses, and norovirus.

We make this PSA because norovirus cases have been on the rise in human populations this winter and studies have shown that dogs and even potentially cats can become infected by and develop symptoms of norovirus. Symptoms typically include vomiting and diarrhea.

If your dog or cat has gastroenteritis (vomiting, poor appetite, and diarrhea), we are going to want to consider all possible causes including dietary indiscretion (eating garbage or inedible objects), other toxins, liver, pancreatic, or kidney disease, etc. If a person in the household has recently been ill, though, that could be an important piece of information to offer.

In general, pets with a day or two of gastrointestinal upset can be cared for at home with a bland diet (cooked ground turkey and brown rice is a great choice). However, persistent vomiting and significant lethargy (poor energy) over two or more days indicates a pet should be seen so we can 1) offer diagnostics to rule out things like intestinal obstruction, liver, pancreas, or kidney damage, etc. and 2) treat nausea, dehydration, etc.

Good hygiene (frequent handwashing and sanitizing) and food safety practices can help decrease the risk of norovirus in pets and their people!

See number of suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks reported weekly by states in NoroSTAT.

12/31/2024

Please keep your pets inside and secured during tonight’s celebratory fireworks.

If your pet is crate trained, close them inside.
If they’re not crate trained and you won’t be home with them, put them in a room with no windows.

Play a radio or the TV to drown out the fireworks. Roll cotton in their ears can help block the sound too (as long as they don’t seem irritated by it and won’t eat it if it falls out).

Give your pet their anti-anxiety meds at lunchtime and again around around 8 or 9pm so they have time to take effect.

And as always, please celebrate responsibly - you are the only family your pets have.

Happy New Year! See you all in 2025.

12/16/2024

We would like to wish a very merry holiday season to all of our amazing clients and wonderful patients!!

As a reminder: we’ll be closed from December 23rd through the 27th. Please call NOW to request medication refills so you won’t run out.

Happy Holidays from Dr. Lambden and staff.

11/26/2024

We will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th so our hardworking staff can celebrate Thanksgiving with their families.

Please call TODAY to request medication refills so that we have plenty of time to process and have them ready for you to pick up tomorrow, Wednesday the 27th.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call El Paso Emergency Vet at 915-545-1148

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our wonderful patients and clients!!

11/21/2024

With the holidays fast approaching it’s important to keep your pet safe from foods that may be toxic or trigger illness.

We all love our pets and want to treat them extra special during the holidays, but giving them foods they’re unaccustomed to or toxic can lead to gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, or worse! It’s best to adhere to your pets’ regular diet to ensure they’re healthy and happy.

The image below provides a list of common foods that can cause real trouble for your beloved pets. Please keep them safe this holiday season.

11/05/2024

Mama is a 3-4 year old Corgi mix who was picked up as a stray in Tularosa in April. She had a litter of puppies who have all been adopted, but sweet Mama is still looking for her furever home!

Mama is house trained and makes friends with all of the other shelter dogs. She is sweet and mellow and is a staff favorite!

Mama is being spayed today and is available for adoption for the cost of her vaccines ($35).

Please contact Tularosa Animal Shelter at 575-585-2233 if you’d like to bring Mama home!

11/01/2024

Happy Halloween to all the pets and their people! Show us your costumes in the comments below!

Remember to keep candy and wrappers away from our furry friends. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

10/29/2024

Public service announcement!

What to do with expired or unused medications, especially controlled drugs, can be a conundrum. If you have any of these (for human or animal use) sitting around, consider the take-back options for legal and safe disposal.

Remember that flushing them can cause drug residues in waterways, tossing in the trash could leave them open to abuse, and while we can take back some medications as a courtesy for disposal, controlled drugs are a stickier issue.

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications fro...

10/02/2024

The dachshund on the left of the photo is a healthy 12 pounds. The Chihuahua mix on the right has about the same size skeleton but is supporting 22 pounds of body weight!

Obesity in dogs can be associated with many illnesses including diabetes, pancreatitis, arthritis, and certain cancers. Despite the risks, it’s one of the most common findings in physical exams on well-loved pets.

We know it can be hard to know when your pet is too heavy. Weight gain usually happens gradually, and when we see our pets daily it can be hard to see the pounds creeping up.

If you aren’t sure if you are feeding the right amount, ask your veterinarian! Feeding according to package directions on dog food can lead you astray because if the food is designed for all life stages, that means that the recommended serving size is enough for growing puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, etc. Intact dogs require more calories than spayed or neutered dogs. Dogs who get a lot of exercise can need more calories than those who are couch potatoes.

One common mistake is feeding too many treats and snacks. Consider that eating a half a hot dog is for a 10 pound dog like eating 10 hot dogs would be for a 200 pound person. If your dog enjoys getting treats throughout the day, think about feeding their measured meals gradually as “treats” instead of from a bowl.

Please no negative comments: the owners of the obese dog pictured are committed to getting this sweet girl healthier and the diet starts today!

09/18/2024

Edit: we are back online! Thanks for your patience!

Phone/internet issues this morning we are working to correct. Please be patient and if you have urgent concerns, message us on facebook- we will keep a close eye on messenger today since our other means of contact are down. We apologize for any inconvenience!

09/11/2024

This is Blue! She is an approximately 18 to 24 month Heeler mix weighing 45 pounds. Blue is very friendly and has a lot of love to give! She has been a resident of Alamogordo Animal Control since September, 2023!

Blue would do well in an active home with children age 10 and up. She would probably do best without cats or other small animals or small livestock. Blue would be a FABULOUS agility or obedience dog, and would probably excel in sports like dock diving, scent work, and lure coursing! But most of all, she will be your very best friend!

Blue was spayed and vaccinated today at Paw in Hand Veterinary Care, and will be ready for adoption soon! Her adoption fee will be $10 (ten-dollars) plus tax since she’s now spayed and current on vaccines.

If you’d like to give this gorgeous, smart, fun pup a home, please go meet her at Alamogordo Animal Control!!

08/16/2024

We have a strict policy at Paw in Hand that every patient without a medical contraindication must be rabies vaccinated. Not only is it required by law, but it’s crucial to public health! We do occasionally have clients say “Oh, rabies isn’t really an issue here,” or “My cat doesn’t ever go outside so she doesn’t need to get vaccinated.” Unfortunately, rabies is always a potential risk. Please see below for a story about a litter of puppies exposed to rabies in Texas; the puppies subsequently exposed or potentially exposed many people in Colorado before two puppies became sick, were euthanized, and tested positive for rabies.

There are a few take home messages here: first, rabies is completely preventable with vaccination. (Although the puppies in the story may have been too young to vaccinate, as 12 weeks is the minimum age to ensure effective immunization, if their mother had been vaccinated there’s a high chance the pups would have had immunity when exposed via a dead skunk.) If your dog or cat has a potential rabies exposure, if previously vaccinated, all they may need is a booster. If they haven’t been vaccinated, a prolonged quarantine is required. If they haven’t been vaccinated and they bite, scratch, or lick someone, they will need to be quarantined or even euthanized if they are acting sick.

Second, wildlife vectors of rabies persist across the country (with regional variants of the virus associated with bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes in the continental United States). There is nowhere in the U.S. that is rabies-free (except Hawaii!). Exposures may not be known since dogs and cats may consume dead animals they find, leaving no evidence of exposure.

Please be rabies aware. Make sure your pets (and livestock, when applicable) are up to date on rabies vaccination. Report any animal bites to your healthcare provider and make sure they complete a bite report so animal control can verify vaccination status of the biting animal. If you or your pet find sick or dead wildlife (especially bats, foxes, or skunks in this area), contact the appropriate local authorities (NM Dept of Game and Fish, sheriff office) and include any information about potential exposure to you or your pets.

https://coloradosun.com/2024/08/15/rabies-puppy-adoption-colorado-human-cases/

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/state-health-officials-ask-attendees-of-a-puppy-adoption-event-to-contact-a-hotline

More than 35 people have been referred for rabies post-exposure treatment after a puppy adoption event in Sheridan, Colorado.